All metro stations to have quick reaction teams, control rooms

To improve the response time and overall security in Delhi Metro, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will now have Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) at every station. Control rooms will also be set up at all stations for better monitoring of passengers and keeping track of suspicious items.

As per the current security structure, there is one QRT with commandos at every three stations and a control room at important stations. "Metro is a sensitive installation and we need to be on our toes all the time. QRTs at every station will reduce the reaction time during an emergency. The QRTs will be stationed outside the metro station and commandos posted will be trained to tackle any emergency," a senior CISF official said.

Over 20 lakh commuters travel by Delhi Metro and to track suspicious passengers, CISF staff monitor live CCTV feed from the control room. But control rooms are not present at every station, sometimes this delays the response time.

"In case a passenger forgets his/her baggage or any suspicious passenger is located, the person sitting in the control room can immediately direct someone to swing into action. The purpose is to make every passenger boarding the metro feel safe," the official added.

The CISF has deployed nearly 5000 personnel for the security of metro stations. CISF conducts audits to identify the most sensitive stations and accordingly the deployment was planned. "There is always a requirement for additional personnel. With security being the most important feature, we have taken several decisions," he further added.

QRTs comprise trained commandos equipped with AK series rifles and sniffer dogs. Apart from that, QRT personnel in plain clothes equipped with sophisticated arms and communication gadgets are also deployed at metro stations.